Immune Mechanisms in COPD

Despite ongoing research, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide. In Turkey, the average prevalence is 19.2% and increases with age. Currently, there is no therapy for COPD, with all treatment only able to alleviate symptoms. Clinically, COPD is characterized by progressive and largely irreversible airflow limitation resulting from long-term exposure to toxic gases and particles, in particular cigarette smoke. This drives excess mucus production, small airway remodeling, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The progression and severity of COPD are associated with increasing infiltration of the airways and parenchyma by innate and adaptive immune cells with a predominance of B and T cells, and in more severe disease, the presence of lymphoid follicles. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying how innate and adaptive immune cells contribute to disease pathogenesis, however, have remained unclear. Here, we will discuss the roles of inflammatory and immune responses in the pathogenesis of COPD.